Windsor mayor demands Drudge apology

LONDON, May 2 (UPI) -- The mayor of Windsor and Maidenhead in England is demanding U.S. blogger Matt Drudge apologize for revealing Prince Harry's deployment to Afghanistan.

The news of the royal's deployment earlier this year was initially kept secret due to a news blackout pact agreed to by British media in an effort to protect the prince and his fellow troops.

The blackout was first broken by an Australian magazine, then picked up by Matt Drudge's popular Drudge Report Web site.

The Daily Telegraph newspaper said the mayor's call for an apology follows a motion proposed by Councilor James Evans, which was unanimously backed by the council of the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead.

"There was no public interest in exposing details of Prince Harry's deployment, all it did was put the lives of British troops -- many of whom are based in our town -- at risk," Evans said.

Although the violation of the media blackout was widely criticized, Drudge has refused to apologize for reporting the story.

"Matt Drudge should apologize immediately for what he has done, and we would urge other journalists to remember that what they print has a direct impact on areas of conflict. Our military needs and deserves our support," Evans said.

United Press International is a leading provider of news, photos and information to millions of readers around the globe via UPI.com and its licensing services.

With a history of reliable reporting dating back to 1907, today's UPI is a credible source for the most important stories of the day, continually updated - a one-stop site for U.S. and world news, as well as entertainment, trends, science, health and stunning photography. UPI also provides insightful reports on key topics of geopolitical importance, including energy and security.

A Spanish version of the site reaches millions of readers in Latin America and beyond.

UPI was founded in 1907 by E.W. Scripps as the United Press (UP). It became known as UPI after a merger with the International News Service in 1958, which was founded in 1909 by William Randolph Hearst. Today, UPI is owned by News World Communications.